Wolf Creek Trail

A quick drive down Whiskey Bend Road near Elwha Campground in the northern part of Olympic National Park leads to a trailhead that services several hikes. In the 1930s, the Civilian Conservation Corps built Whiskey Bend Road to provide access to Hurricane Ride Road. After a bumpy, narrow drive to the trailhead, Whiskey Bend Road ends at Wolf Creek Trail, which was originally a continuation of the road but was closed down in the late 1950s with the completion of the new Hurricane Ridge Road. A CCC crew leader promised whiskey to his workers if they completed the road up to this point, hence the road's name. Notice the old horse corral near the parking lot, the remains from when the area was a CCC camp. In the 1900s, before Whiskey Bend Road was built, the Salal Ridge Trail connected Whiskey Bend to Hurricane Ridge.

Wolf Creek Trail follows Salal Ridge until it intersects with Hurricane Ridge Road just west of the lodge and visitor center. The trail's conditions are at their best between July and October. Parts of the trail can be snowbound during winter, and skiiers can enjoy a downhill slope starting at Hurricane Ridge Road. The first portion of the hike is a relatively straight shot that slowly gains altitude through a dense Douglas fir forest and thick shrubs. This can be a very wet hike in spring. Upon hitting the switchbacks, the climb is steep and fairly strenuous, but it offers beautiful views of the Bailey Range. Vegetation becomes lese dense as you climb and the forest floor gives way to a rockier mix.

The trail ends when it meets Hurricane Ridge Road. You'll have an expansive view of Elwha Valley and the interior Olympic Mountains. Elk and deer can be seen along the trail, and if you're lucky, you may see a cougar or a black bear.